Savings Goals Core Concepts Required Monthly Savings To accumulate a future value FV in n periods at rate r per period: PMT = FV × r / [(1+r)^n - 1] This is the sinking fund formula (future value of annuity solved for PMT). Inflation-Adjusted Targets Always compute goals in future (nominal) dollars: FV nominal = FV today × (1 + inflation)^years Then solve for the required savings using the nominal return, or use the real return with today's dollars. Education Funding - 529 plans : tax-free growth for qualified education expenses, state tax deductions in many states - Current costs (2025-26, t…